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Nigeria Loses $25bn to Foreign Ship Owners in 2 Years

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  • Nigeria Loses $25bn to Foreign Ship Owners in 2 Years

The Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Mr Hassan Bello, on Friday said Nigeria lost $25 billion to foreign ship owners between 2015 and 2017.

Mr Bello, who was on a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning in Abuja, further stated that over $9.08 billion was paid to foreign ship owners as freight for dry and wet cargoes in 2015.

According to the Executive Secretary, the trend started years ago, saying over $7.55 billion was lost to foreign shipping firms in 2016.

Again, a total of $8.60 billion worth of freight opportunity was lost from import and export of dry and wet cargoes in 2017. Bringing total lost to $25.23 billion within two years.

“As a result of this, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, through the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, set up a committee for the Nigerian fleet implementation,” Bello said.

The committee was set up to examine the chances of using existing shipping firms to run a Nigerian fleet and provide a framework for establishing a shipping firm.

However, Mr Bello said for government to gain from the programme, a conducive business environment backed with a strong political will and comprehensive incentives must be put in place to aid operators.

He said because the Ministry of Budget and National Planning played a vital role in fiscal policy formulation, therefore, it is imperative the NSC visit the ministry.

Speaking on the matter, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, said all the issues raised will be addressed as the ministry will be working with relevant agencies to resolve the issues.

The Minister stated, “We will work with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as well as the Ministry of Finance to try and ensure that we address those issues. It is important that your work succeeds.”

“It is very important because, firstly, there is a need for this country to generate more revenue; there is the need to see if we can expand the Nigeria fleet, the work and the cargoes that they carry.”

Udoma added, “We will be saving ourselves foreign exchange and we will be able to generate funds in foreign exchange as well. So, it is very important to create an expansion for Nigerian fleet.”

“We will also be creating jobs for Nigerians. When we expand the fleet, we will also be expanding our transport infrastructure; you can be sure of our strong active support from this ministry.”

Reporting by Betty Chigozirim in Abuja; Editing by Samed Olukoya

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ARISE News Channel Goes Global: Launches in Nine Southern African Countries

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ARISE News Channel, a prominent Nigerian cable news network, has reached another significant milestone in its journey to become a global media powerhouse.

The channel has officially gone live in nine Southern African countries, including South Africa, Angola, and Botswana.

This expansion was made possible through a partnership with Multichoice/DSTV, with ARISE News Channel now available on Channel 416.

Alongside South Africa, Angola, and Botswana, the channel is now accessible to viewers in Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

In a statement released by the Chief of Staff to Chairman/Editor-in-Chief of ARISE News Channel, Fauziya Ali Mohammed, it was revealed that the channel’s presence now spans 54 African countries.

Mohammed explained that ARISE News Channel is committed to delivering high-quality news coverage across the continent, showcasing various facets of African life, including business, politics, technology, commerce, science, sports, show business, and fashion.

ARISE News Channel, which celebrated its 11th anniversary earlier this year, has earned acclaim for its Emmy-winning programming.

It has become a leading broadcaster in Africa, offering audiences a diverse range of content while projecting the best of Africa’s culture and people to the world.

Chairman/Editor-in-Chief of ARISE News Channel, Nduka Obaigbena, expressed his excitement about the channel’s expansion into Southern Africa, emphasizing its commitment to promoting African narratives globally.

Obaigbena highlighted ARISE News Channel’s dedication to showcasing the continent’s potential and celebrating its achievements on the global stage.

The channel operates around the clock from studios located in Lagos, Abuja, Johannesburg, Cape Town, London, and New York.

Its coverage extends beyond traditional broadcasting platforms, reaching viewers across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and the United States through various channels and streaming services.

With its latest expansion into Southern Africa, ARISE News Channel continues to solidify its position as a leading voice in African media, shaping narratives and fostering dialogue on issues of regional and global significance.

As the channel continues to grow its global footprint, it remains dedicated to providing audiences with insightful and impactful journalism that reflects the dynamism and diversity of the African continent.

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Travel

Air Peace Flight Delayed, Passengers Stranded After Failed Promise of Hotel Stay

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Passengers aboard an Air Peace flight from Abuja to Owerri found themselves in a state of disarray and frustration after a series of delays and unmet promises left them stranded without accommodations.

What was supposed to be a routine flight scheduled to depart Abuja at 4:30 PM and arrive in Owerri at 5:30 PM turned into a nightmare as the flight was delayed until 6:18 PM due to a reported lack of a pilot.

However, midway through the journey, passengers were informed that the flight couldn’t proceed to Owerri because the airport there would close by 6:40 PM.

The flight was forced to return to Abuja, where passengers endured further uncertainty as they waited for over 20 minutes to receive any communication from the airline. Eventually, they were informed of plans to provide a bus to transport them to a hotel for accommodation.

However, this promise was not fulfilled, leaving passengers stranded and scattered around the airport.

One passenger, who had already experienced delays with another airline earlier in the day, expressed frustration at the lack of accountability and protection for travelers.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by passengers in Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector and raises questions about the adequacy of regulations to safeguard passengers’ rights.

Attempts to reach Air Peace for comment on the situation were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

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Emirates Halts Check-Ins Amid Severe Weather Disruption

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Emirates Airline

Emirates, the largest international airline, has taken the unprecedented step of halting all passenger check-ins for the day.

The move comes as the emirate grapples with severe weather disturbances, including heavy rainfall and storms, leading to widespread travel chaos in one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.

The airline announced that check-ins for all passengers would be suspended from 8 am local time until midnight, as the adverse weather conditions continue to wreak havoc on travel plans.

Despite the disruption, Emirates assured that transit passengers would still be allowed to proceed to their connecting flights.

Dubai, known for its modern infrastructure and bustling aviation industry, has been brought to a standstill by the relentless rainfall and storms.

The inclement weather has resulted in delayed or diverted flights, leaving travelers stranded and adding to the existing challenges posed by the ongoing global pandemic.

Emirates has pledged to exert all efforts to restore its scheduled operations and provide support to affected customers amidst the chaos.

However, the extent of the disruption caused by the adverse weather conditions underscores the resilience and adaptability required to navigate unforeseen challenges in the aviation sector.

As the situation unfolds, authorities and airline personnel are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of the severe weather on travel operations and ensure the safety and well-being of passengers.

Despite the temporary setback, Emirates remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of service excellence and operational efficiency, even in the face of unprecedented challenges posed by Mother Nature.

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